Holistic Dentist Beverly Hills
Our holistic dental philosophy focuses on the health and safety of our patients, while still including important components of conventional dentistry. In addition, it recognizes and deals with the mind and spirit of the patient, addressing more than just their teeth.
We are determined to use materials the are as healthy as possible for our patients, making sure to avoid potentially toxic materials.
Silver Fillings vs. Tooth Colored Restorations
Controversy
The debate rages on regarding half silver and half mercury "amalgam" dental fillings, and opinion is practically split down the middle despite numerous scientific studies.
Facts
Mercury, is indeed, a toxic poison and some studies have linked exposure to it to illnesses, including depression, cancer and Alzheimer's. Several European countries have even passed laws to prevent of reduce the use of mercury-silver fillings.
The Dilemma
Many dentists are becoming uncomfortable with using this material, including myself. The fact that is an EPA designated, hazardous material, make it unsafe to use on people's teeth, in my opinion.
Options
Gold fillings were a popular alternative to mercury-silver fillings. However, more aesthetic materials such as porcelain and composites, create a more natural looking appearance.
The Solution
Since porcelain and composite fillings eliminate the potential health risks that mercury-silver has, and look a lot more natural, it is almost a no-brainer to take advantage of these newer materials!
If you have preexisting silver fillings, and would like them replaced with these more natural looking porcelain or composite ones, please call us today for an appointment!
Testing for Mercury Levels in Your Body
Various tests, involving blood, urine and hair analysis have been used to test for mercury.
- Intra-oral Vapor Test
- Blood and Urine Test
- DMPS Challenge Test
- Hair Test
- Skin Patch Test
- Electrical Galvanic Test
For information on where to get the test done if you are not near my office call:
Doctors Data Inc.
PO Box 111
Chicago Illinois 60186-9986
800-323-2784
Fax 630-587-7860
Email: inquiries@doctorsdata.com
I would like to acknowledge the labors of Dr. Michael C. Goldman, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, who has organized much of this information and made it available for the general public.
Removal of Silver Fillings
Mercury is known to be released when silver filings are removed from your teeth, so it important to have a doctor properly trained for this this procedure to ensure your safety.
Differences in Tooth Preparation
Bonded vs. Amalgam Fillings
In addition to the obvious esthetic superiority of the bonded fillings, there are some very real physical advantages if well done.
When a tooth is filled with amalgam, the amalgam is just packed into a hole which is broader as it gets deeper. It is the shape of the "undercut" hole that holds the filling from falling out!!!
The amalgam is not really attached to the sides of the holes so when the tooth is stressed as in chewing or grinding, the tooth can flex away from the filling. Little cracks begin to develop. Like a crack in a car windshield, with each successive stress, the crack gets longer... until part of the too falls off!
When a bonded, tooth-colored, composite filling is properly placed, the inside surface walls of the cavity are treated chemically so the filling actually becomes attached - bonded - to the tooth. In the last drawing, tooth parts A and C are one continuous solid mass with filling material B.
Autism and Mercury Toxicity
There is long raging debate about potential links between mercury exposure and autism. While some studies have proved inconclusive, other have indeed suggested a possible link. To remove all doubt regarding the health or you and your loved ones, we offer mercury free dental work.
